DJE

Am in the process of deciding which cruise company to use and have received some recommendations about other outfits but was wondering about this specific company and the product they provide. Will be interested in dry as well as wet activities. Anybody have direct experience with OS? Thanks.

pat_woolford

Yes, have been on two of the three Ocean Spirit vessels, to Michaelmas Cay and the sail and snorkel trip to Upolo Cay and Oyster Reef. But can't really tell you any more than is described on website - www.oceanspirit.com.au

Michaelmas Cay trip costs more and is the premium vessel; has an introductory or certified diving option, and a semi-submersible. Excellent lunch provided and a very high crew to passenger ratio. The sail/snorkel trip at $99 is a bargain compared with other snorkelling only trips, such as Wavelength out of Port Douglas at $165 and a lovely boat as well.

Am not sure what you mean by "dry" activities; if its a helicopter reef flight you're looking for its a "no" as there's no heli landing provision on their vessels.

DJE

Thanks Pat,

By "dry" I mean activities that would not involve actually getting in the water and snorkeling etc. so I assume the semi-submersible would be good for this. Not everyone in our little group will be doing water activities.
While at Michaelmas Cay can you spend some interesting time on land?

pat_woolford

Hi DJE; Michaelmas Cay sound the right one for you - you can spend time on sandy cay; thousands of seabirds nearby in roped off area and paddling around in shallows. There's no shade on the cay, its vegetation is low, but plenty on the boat. The vessel moors a little off the sandy cay so as not to damage coral and there's a tender running constantly between boat and shore. And of course, the semi-submersible allows for viewing marine life without getting wet.

Snorkelling from Michaelmas Cay is very easy; just like gradually entering water from a sandy beach - rather than from the back of a boat or the steps of a pontoon into deep water.

Saltuarius

Greetings DJE,
If there is a birder in your group then this is the trip to take. Lots of sea birds on the protected, no access part of the island. This area is mostly visible from the beach though some of the smaller terns hide away on the eastern shore.

DJE

Thank you Pat and Saltuarius for the additional info. Yes this looks like a good trip to take as it offers a variety of activities suitable for everyone.
We will be in the greater Cairns area near the end of Sept. for a couple of weeks.
Do you think it will be necessary to make prior arrangements with Oceanspirit or can we just play it by ear and see how the weather is when there and then book accordingly? Would prefer dry weather and calmer waters while on the vessel.

pat_woolford

Should be OK to book a day or two in advance, DJE, but it wouldn't hurt to make an advance booking. September can be busy. You can always change reservation to another day with no penalty as long as you let Ocean Spirit know before 6pm the evening before the trip.